switches and any other applicable safety equipment. Carefully inspect hydraulic hoses and fittings for chaffing, deterioration or corrosion, repairing or replacing them as needed.
If the hoist is equipped with a ratchet and pawl mechanism, inspect for proper operation and full, spring-force engagement of the pawl with the ratchet wheel.
Just Warming Up
A hoist warm-up procedure is recommended at each start. Run the crane at its lowest recommended revolutions per minute with the hydraulic hoist control valve in neutral for a sufficient time to warm up the system. This is essential at ambient temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit( 4 degrees Celsius).
The hoist should then be operated at low speeds— forward and reverse— several times to prime all lines with warm hydraulic oil and to circulate gear oil through the planetary gear sets before being put to use.
Quarterly Inspection Brake Check
Hydraulic planetary hoists are outfitted with a sprag clutch design. The springapplied, hydraulically released, multiple-disc brake assemblies housed within the hoist enable controlled lifting.
This system permits rotation in the hoisting direction for handling a load and prevents unintended load movement when the directional control valve is in neutral. Hydraulic pressure, applied to the release port, disengages the brake when it’ s time to lower. An integral safety component, it secures the load in the event of hydraulic power loss or operator disengagement.
The brake test inspection is essential to verify brake engagement and load-holding capacity and should be performed by a qualified crane inspector or operator. Inspect for corrosion of fasteners, hoist base, drum, etc. Be sure to repair or replace as required to maintain the structural integrity of the hoist.
Drifting of the load when
12 • 515-955-1600 • May 2025